Manslaughter and murder are both classified as homicide offenses in Georgia. Manslaughter is the lesser of these offenses that, unlike murder, is not premeditated. There are two types of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when one person intentionally kills another in a moment of passion. There is no pre-meditation involved; rather, it is the result of a provocation that would cause any reasonable person to react.
Voluntary manslaughter is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter, or negligent homicide, is the killing of another person as a result of reckless, negligent or illegal activity, such as driving under the influence.
The least of Georgia’s homicide charges, involuntary manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. It is also possible that the family of the victim could bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the accused to sue for damages.